Embargo

When I hear the word embargo, I usually think of trade bans, economics, and political circumstances between countries. But a different type of embargo has been happening since November 1, and if you are a library patron, this is affecting you. 

Poudre River Public Library

Elkton Library

Macmillan Publishers has recently introduced a "1-copy only" embargo of all their new eBook titles for the first 60 days of publication. Because of this change, we will not be purchasing any Macmillan titles until 60 days after publication.

The above statement appears on the website of two different libraries where I am a patron. Kym has talked about this before, and as a librarian, Carole is dealing with the headaches and finances of ebooks every day. There are new purchasing models so that instead of libraries having perpetual access to each book they purchase, they have to re-purchase the books after two years. Macmillan Publishers is going as far as to impose an eight-week embargo on public libraries for the purchase of new ebook titles. Libraries may only purchase a single copy of new ebook titles during the first eight weeks of its release. I think most of us have noticed an increase in wait times for ebooks. While lengthy wait times are not solely due to Macmillan's one copy embargo, it is a contributing factor. When it comes right down to it, Macmillan is limiting public library access. 

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Here's the truth: Limiting access to new titles for libraries means limiting access for readers like you. 

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So what can you do? Go here and sign the American Library Association (ALA) petition demanding ebooks for all. This may seem like a relatively minor thing now, but it particularly affects readers with disabilities who may not be able to just stop by the library to pick up a hard copy. While Macmillan is the only major publisher to currently institute this policy, things could get much worse if the other four major publishers do the same thing. I can't imagine any publisher instituting similar convoluted and expensive policies on print books, and I don't think it's fair to deny access to ebooks. 

Thanks to Becky, who sent me the ALA link and asked me to share this on the blog!